Amazon Clothing, Shoes & Accessories Fees & Profit Margins 2026
Run your Clothing, Shoes & Accessories SKU in the 2026 P&L calculator
Calculate my margins →Referral fee structure
17% (5% for items ≤$15)
True cumulative tiered: 5% on first $15, 10% on $15.01–$20, 17% on amount above $20.
Key fees for Clothing, Shoes & Accessories
| Fee | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Referral fee | 5–17% tiered | Cumulative tiers, not threshold |
| FBA fulfillment (apparel schedule) | +$0.20–$0.40/unit vs standard | Apparel has premium FBA fee schedule |
| Returns processing | $1.78–$5.79/unit above threshold | Apparel IS subject to the returns processing fee |
Typical size tiers
Small Standard to Large Standard (clothing), Large Bulky (outerwear, footwear boxes)
Contribution margin benchmarks
15–25% for typical apparel brands
Average return rate
Industry estimate for Clothing, Shoes & Accessories: 25–40% (highest in Amazon). Return rates vary significantly by price tier and product type within the category.
Frequently asked questions
How is the Amazon referral fee for apparel calculated? ▾
Apparel uses cumulative tiers: 5% on first $15, 10% on $15.01–$20, 17% above $20. On a $35 shirt: (5%×$15)+(10%×$5)+(17%×$15) = $3.80.
Does the returns processing fee apply to apparel? ▾
Yes — apparel is one of the categories with a return rate threshold fee. Returns above the category average cost $1.78–$5.79/unit.
Is there a separate FBA fee for apparel? ▾
Yes — apparel items have a premium FBA fee schedule approximately $0.20–$0.40/unit higher than standard for the same size tier.